Meeting of the Parliament [Draft]

Meeting date: Thursday, May 23, 2024

Official Report 982KB pdf

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Portfolio Question Time

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Transport

Good afternoon. The next item of business is portfolio questions on transport. As ever, I make a plea for succinct questions and answers to match.

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Orkney Interislands Air Service

To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any accessibility issues in relation to the interislands air service in Orkney and similar public service obligation operations in other island communities. (S6O-03468)

The provision of public service obligation operations in Orkney is a matter for Orkney Islands Council and Loganair. Therefore, the Scottish Government has not assessed the accessibility of those services.

I know that Loganair is receptive to feedback on how the services could be improved for anyone who relies on them. As for the island communities, the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland recently wrote to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar—forgive me for not pronouncing that properly; I really apologise for butchering that—about issues concerning the new contract with a different airline. MACS has also written to me on the issue, and I will carefully consider my response.

The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership—HITRANS—convened a meeting of health boards in its area recently to discuss the establishment of a health and transport action plan. If Mr McArthur has not already done so, I would urge him to raise those relevant issues with HITRANS.

I advise the minister that he will probably have to make his peace with Alasdair Allan and his constituents at some point. [Laughter.]

I recently met North Ronaldsay community council, Orkney Islands Council, NHS Orkney, Loganair and others to discuss growing concerns about the accessibility of the Islander aircraft, which provides the lifeline air services to North Ronaldsay and other outer north isles in my constituency. I am told that some island residents with mobility issues find the prospect of trying to get in and out of the aircraft so painful and/or undignified that they are opting not to travel, and are often missing health and other important appointments on the Orkney mainland.

Will the minister agree to ask his officials to engage with Orkney Islands Council to see what more might be done in the context of the forthcoming retendering process for the interisland service to ensure that this genuine lifeline is accessible to all island residents who depend on it?

I assure Liam McArthur that that conversation could be had. I am also aware that officials are scheduling a meeting with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in June to discuss healthcare provision. We will keep members updated on that.

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Trunk Road Safety (Spending)

To ask the Scottish Government how much it spent in 2023-24 on safety improvements to trunk roads in the North East Scotland region. (S6O-03469)

Transport Scotland does not record information by local authority or parliamentary regions. It records using four operating company units, for the north-west, north-east, south-west and south-east. Transport Scotland has spent £18.6 million on structural maintenance schemes in the north-east unit in the past 12 months. Some £2.7 million was spent on construction of casualty-reduction safety improvements to trunk roads in the north-east operating company unit in 2023-24.

One of the best ways to improve safety would be to dual the A96, as promised by the Scottish National Party in 2011. However, now we need a review, seemingly. In November 2022, Jenny Gilruth told us that the corridor review would be out at the end of the year. In June 2023, she said that the review would be out in the summer. In November 2023, Shona Robison said that the review would be out at the end of the year. In February 2024, the cabinet secretary told us that the review would be out in the coming months. In April, the cabinet secretary told us that the review would be out in the coming months. This is now embarrassing and insulting to the people of the north-east. Can the cabinet secretary tell us whether there will be any construction on the project before 2026?

There are clearly different aspects to the A96. Progress has been made on the Inverness to Nairn route and the dualling of that section. I will be reporting on that to Parliament, as I have been doing regularly.

In relation to the review, I can understand the frustration. Some of us in Government would also like to see that review published sooner rather than later. We might be restricted as to what we can do, depending on what current rules dictate over the next few weeks and months. It will be important to share all the information that is in the review, whether good, bad or indifferent, depending on people’s point of view.

Clearly, the Scottish Government’s commitment has been and is to dual the A96. We are making progress on those improvements that we can make, particularly on the points of the A96 that I have just referred to.

I have received a request from Clare Haughey to ask a supplementary. I am happy to take it, but I remind the member that the question concerns spend on safety improvements to trunk roads in the North East Scotland region.

Will the cabinet secretary set out some of the impacts to Scotland’s trunk roads, including in the north-east, of the budget cuts that Mr Lumsden’s party has imposed on Scotland?

When responding, cabinet secretary, please deal with the bit of the question that relates to the North East Scotland region trunk roads.

North East Scotland region trunk roads rely on investment—particularly, capital investment—from the Scottish Government. The issue that the Scottish Government is facing is that, because of the United Kingdom Conservative Government’s mismanagement of the economy, there has been a reduction of almost 9 per cent to our capital budget, which has consequences.

The issues of infrastructure inflation and availability of spend for capital investment clearly cause difficulties. That is why it is quite remarkable that, even within those constraints, I have managed to ensure, as cabinet secretary, that the much-needed asset investment in our trunk roads has been not just maintained but increased. However, I do not think that the Conservatives can criticise when there is not enough capital for our budgets, whether it is on north-east trunk roads, the rest of the trunk road network or other infrastructure projects.

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Low-emission Zones

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what work it has undertaken to prepare for the introduction of low-emission zones in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee. (S6O-03470)

I regularly meet the local authorities that are introducing low-emission zones. My officials continue to work closely with them and United Kingdom Government agencies, such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, to assist with preparations for LEZ enforcement.

Extensive national LEZ awareness-raising schemes have taken place and continue across both new and traditional media, supported by work at local level in Dundee, where enforcement starts on 30 May, and Aberdeen and Edinburgh, where enforcement starts on 1 June, as those cities join hundreds of European cities and towns that are introducing similar schemes.

I also advise that the Scottish Government has provided full funding to establish all local authority LEZ enforcement systems and continues to provide support funding to low-income households and microbusinesses preparing for LEZs, with £16.1 million being made available since 2019.

Almost a year after the low-emission zone came into force in Glasgow, 40 per cent of the council’s vehicles have failed to comply with the regulations. Given that Glasgow City Council is struggling to comply with the scheme, what support will be given to hard-working Scots and businesses in other locations? Is this simply a war against motorists?

I referred to investment of £16.1 million. I know, because I checked, that Alexander Stewart has membership of a number of cross-party groups that are related to lung disease and health issues. He understands that air quality is very important, and it is air quality that is the issue here.

One of the first lessons of politics is to learn how to count. The Glasgow area covers 127 square miles; the LEZ area covers 1 square mile. Therefore the LEZ covers 0.79 per cent of the Glasgow City Council area. Perhaps the Conservatives expect that every vehicle from all parts of Glasgow will always be within that 0.79 per cent of space.

I suspect that vehicles in areas such as outer Pollok that are not compliant will not need to go into the city centre area and be compliant. Glasgow City Council and all the other councils are looking to decarbonise their fleet, in a phased way. However, let us be reasonable and say that, with the LEZ covering less than 0.79 per cent of the area, surely we do not expect every vehicle in the Glasgow City Council area to be in that city centre area all the time.

We have had requests for three supplementaries. I intend to take all three.

Low-emission zones are in place across Europe, and around 320 cities have them. What has the Scottish Government learned from the experiences of the European cities while developing its work for the introduction of the low-emission zones in Scotland’s cities?

The member makes a good point. Scotland is not the only country in Europe that has created low-emission zones; they have been in operation in many countries and cities across Europe for a number of years and, of course, in London.

It is important that we learn from others’ experiences. We have met representatives of European cities and Government to discuss LEZ delivery in Europe. Officials have also reviewed many of the environmental vehicle access restriction schemes that are in operation across the continent. That has helped to inform the framework that has been used for the introduction of Scottish LEZ schemes.

Such schemes are normal and many countries are using them. It is about improving air quality, the quality of life and the quality of health for the vulnerable in our communities, particularly young children, those who have pre-existing health conditions and older people.

The Liberal Democrat co-leader of Aberdeen City Council stated in writing that:

“The decision to introduce a Low Emission Zone in Aberdeen was taken by the Scottish Parliament, not the city council”.

He also stated:

“I asked some time ago if the Council could decide not to enforce the LEZ. I was told that it was not possible.”

Does the cabinet secretary think that the co-leader’s assertions are entirely accurate? Is it correct that, when there has been a material change in circumstances since the council declared an LEZ, legislation allows for a modification of those plans?

In all the cities that are introducing low-emission zones—that is, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh; obviously, the LEZ in Glasgow has been in place and has been enforced for some time—I have been struck by the co-operation and support of the local authorities in carrying out their responsibilities.

On modifications to plans, it may well be that the Conservatives want to roll back from low-emission zones because they do not believe that air quality is important, but if they want to support local authorities, they can.

I have not had representations from any of the local authorities about making any modifications or amendments. I know that Glasgow extended the period for taxis to be exempt, so flexibilities can be applied, depending on individual circumstances. It is not for me to dictate what those are; it will be up to council leaders in individual areas to decide for themselves what makes sense for their cities.

I have been contacted by many constituents, particularly taxi drivers, whose cars come up as being eligible to drive in low-emission zones when checks are made online. However, when they contact their councils or their taxi offices, they are informed that their cars are, in reality, not eligible. Can the cabinet secretary assure me that the Scottish Government is taking action in order to ensure that the information on the LEZ vehicle eligibility checking service is accurate?

I appreciate the member raising the issue of the tracking and checking service that is provided on the Low Emission Zones Scotland website, which is connected to the DVLA and its definitions. If there are any anomalies, it is really important that people contact the councils. One million people have used the tracker. As I recall, in the early days of the LEZ coming into force in Glasgow, there were a few situations in which there were discrepancies. It is definitely worth pursuing that, because we need to make sure that there is good read-across. Certainly, the tracker has been working to date, but, if members could draw any issues to the attention of their council and Transport Scotland, that would be quite helpful.

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Under-22s Free Bus Travel Scheme

To ask the Scottish Government when the young persons (under-22s) free bus travel scheme was last reviewed. (S6O-03471)

More than 137 million journeys have been made since the young persons free bus travel scheme began. A one-year evaluation of the scheme was published in December 2023. The study showed that the scheme is making good progress towards longer-term objectives by reducing travel costs for young people and their families; encouraging a shift towards public transport from private car use; and improving access to social, leisure, education and employment opportunities. The three-year evaluation of the scheme is planned for 2025 and will focus on longer-term impacts and whether behaviour changes have been sustained.

I know from young constituents the immense benefit that the scheme has brought to their lives. For one such constituent, it has opened up social and educational opportunities and allowed him to travel more widely, when that was previously limited due to a health condition.

However, other young constituents have expressed concern regarding aspects of the application process—specifically, difficulties in providing proof of address due to their young age and technical issues in using the face scanner, which had to be repeatedly used before it would work. What further steps can the Scottish Government take to improve and streamline the application process to ensure that it is accessible and user friendly, and to encourage continued uptake of this successful and important scheme?

Since the introduction of free bus travel for under-22s, we have been acutely aware that applying for their entitlement is challenging for some children and young people. That is why, early on, we listened carefully to what families and young people were telling us, and we worked with the Improvement Service to make improvements.

We have worked hard to ensure that children, parents and young people know that there are a number of different ways in which to apply—it is not just online—and that local authorities continue to process offline applications and have dedicated staff on hand to support anyone who might need additional support. Some authorities have also increased the availability of applications made through schools.

We keep the application process under review, so, if there are changes that Ms Nicoll thinks should be made, I would be happy to meet her to discuss those, as well as the particular circumstances of her constituent, to see whether we can resolve issues.

When I held a members’ business debate in December on the issue of the antisocial behaviour of a minority of people using the free bus travel scheme, the Minister for Transport committed to looking at the issue and reporting back to the Parliament. That has not happened yet, but I understand that a working group has been set up. Will the minister tell us how many times the group has met, what its remit is and when we can expect to hear any progress?

We are absolutely aware that some incidents of antisocial behaviour have been linked to the introduction of the young persons free bus travel scheme. It is important to remember that the vast majority of people use the bus properly. One of my concerns about the fact that this issue keeps coming up about the scheme—quite rightly; I am not saying that it should not be brought up—is that people get the impression that all young people are behaving badly, which is absolutely not the case.

The Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004 provides a wide range of measures for dealing with antisocial behaviour, including dispersal orders.

To answer the question directly, we will report back to you with details; I will give you that in writing, so that we can give you the proper facts.

Always speak through the chair, please. There is a supplementary question from Alex Rowley.

As well as the fair fares review committing to the continuation of free travel for under-22s, it stated, as a short-term action, that the Government would

“develop a proposal for a bus flat fares pilot”.

What progress has been made? Is there a timeline in place for that?

As Alex Rowley will be well aware, this is a deregulated sector, so we have to do scoping work on what the flat fares pilot will look like. As that develops, I will be more than happy to meet Alex Rowley to discuss progress.

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Loganair Timetables (Na h-Eileanan an Iar)

To ask the Scottish Government what representations it can make to Loganair to ensure that constituents in Na h-Eileanan an Iar are not disadvantaged as a result of recent changes to flight timetables. (S6O-03472)

I commend Alasdair Allan for his ability to say those words.

Like all airlines, Loganair continually reviews capacity and schedules to ensure the most efficient use of its aircraft. In doing so, it has regard to the needs of the communities that it serves to try to achieve the optimum connectivity for all. That is because, over the course of a day, an aircraft can be used to serve the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and other routes. We understand that the recent changes are intended to improve the overall resilience of the network and, in particular, reliability and punctuality. Ultimately, these are decisions for Loganair, but I know that it will welcome representations from its customers on how to make further improvements.

Recent changes to the Stornoway to Inverness timetable have pushed flights closer to the middle of the day, with significant ramifications for my constituents who, for example, require medical treatment in Inverness. As a result of the timetable changes, many consultants from Raigmore hospital can no longer carry out clinics in Uist, and those who travel to and from Aberdeen for work have found that the precious time that they get to spend with their families is cut even further by the new timetable. What more can the Scottish Government do to ensure that lifeline services that are operated by private companies meet the needs of islanders?

I absolutely take on board the issue that Alasdair Allan has raised. Although the timetabling of commercial flights is a matter for the airlines involved, the Scottish Government recognises that more can be done to bring transport planning and health service planning together.

We are working closely with the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership to scope out a plan of work. HITRANS recently convened a meeting of health boards in its area to discuss the establishment of a health and transport action plan, which would allow public agencies and transport providers to better consider the effect of, and any proposed mitigations to, scheduled changes. Similarly, I hope that such a plan would encourage those who contract the public service obligation routes to look at those schedules and how they fit in with the schedules of other transport operators to ensure that the needs of passengers are met.

As I said to Liam McArthur, officials are scheduled to have a meeting in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to discuss healthcare provision in June. We will update the member with those findings.

Alasdair Allan has raised an important point about the impact that Loganair timetable changes can have on his constituents. I can confirm that constituents in Shetland can also face disadvantage with regard to timetables. The Shetland to Aberdeen connection is vital for patients attending appointments at NHS Grampian. Unfortunately, however, the aircraft does not overnight in Shetland, so any delays in the plane coming north first thing in the morning can seriously impact Shetland patients. Often, their hospital appointments have to be rescheduled. Will the Scottish Government consider making representations to Loganair about that aspect of the Shetland to Aberdeen flight route?

I can confirm that I will ask officials to take a look at the issue that Beatrice Wishart has raised while they are having a look at all the other issues that have already been mentioned.

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Fair Fares Review (Ferry Travel)

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of ferry travel measures contained in the fair fares review, including free foot passenger travel on interisland ferries and the extension of the existing national ferry concessionary scheme for island residents under 22 years old. (S6O-03473)

The draft “Islands Connectivity Plan—Strategic Approach”, which was published for consultation on 1 February 2024, stated that we would take forward detailed consideration of a range of ferry fare proposals, including the provision of free foot passenger travel for island residents under the age of 22 on interisland ferries in the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland island groups and the extension of the existing national ferry concessionary scheme.

The online consultation concluded on 6 May, and responses are now being collated and analysed. Further detail on next steps and timescales will be confirmed in due course.

The fair fares review offered a number of proposals to address the cost of such lifeline services for island residents and young people, especially those who travel as foot passengers. In the light of the recent announcement of changes in climate policy, can the cabinet secretary confirm that the Government remains committed to a just transition for island residents and that it recognises the important role that affordable public transport, including ferry services, plays in delivering on that agenda?

I have been struck—particularly in Orkney and Shetland—by the representations of young people who regularly need to use ferries as part of their journeys. Ferry travel is a key aspect of their use of public transport.

However, Ariane Burgess will be aware that, in certain circumstances, councils have the lead responsibility for ferry funding. The Scottish Government has supported that by providing support for revenue funding, and the steps that the Government has taken, especially in relation to interisland support for Orkney and Shetland, will make a great deal of difference to young people in particular. That is all about fairness, equity and the just transition that Ariane Burgess referred to.

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Road Safety (Stirling)

I apologise for my very croaky voice.

To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what steps it is taking to improve road safety across Stirling. (S6O-03474)

I feel for the member.

The Scottish Government is committed to making Scotland’s roads safe for all. That is supported through our provision of a record £36 million for road safety in order to reduce casualties and risks on our roads, which is delivering on our priorities in the road safety framework. That funding includes the road safety framework fund, which Stirling Council can access to improve road safety on its respective roads. My officials engage with Stirling Council through the local partnership forum meetings, as well as through other road safety forums.

However, it is for Stirling Council to determine the priority that should be given to road safety measures. Local authorities have a statutory duty to promote road safety and to take steps to reduce and prevent collisions in order to safeguard road users.

There have been several fatalities on roads in my Stirling constituency in recent months, and dangerous driving might have been a factor in some of those incidents. What steps is the Government taking to reduce dangerous driving?

First, I express my sympathies to all those affected by tragic incidents and to the families and friends of those involved.

Road safety remains an absolute priority. We are determined to continue making investments to support our road safety framework to 2030 in order to achieve safer road travel in Scotland now and in the future. That investment is key to tackling behaviour and making improvements.

Investigations will take place into a number of tragic incidents that have happened across Scotland recently, and I do not want to reflect on those, but we continue to invest in our road safety framework fund and in the safety camera programme to encourage improved driver behaviour, which will, ultimately, enhance safety across Scotland, including in the Stirling area.

There have been far too many crashes and near misses across the Stirling area, including between Bridge of Allan and the Keir roundabout, where cyclists, in particular, need better protection through a segregated cycle route. Can the cabinet secretary confirm that there will be no roll-back of Scottish Government funding for active travel infrastructure? Will she reassure me, and the residents of Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, that funding will be made available this year to progress that critical cycle route and protect lives?

I appreciate the member’s point. As he knows, there has been substantial capital investment in active travel. It is important that that investment is used in a smart way. The collective planning in some areas regarding bus and cycle-lane improvements is definitely the way forward.

I am not familiar with the particular area around Dunblane, so I will look into the route that the member has referred to. I am also acutely aware of concerns about accidents, which have been raised following some particular incidents in the Dunblane area.

I can squeeze in question 8 if we have succinct questions and answers.

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ScotRail Station Facilities

To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve facilities at railway stations operated by ScotRail. (S6O-03475)

As I stated in my recent letter to the member, the Scottish Government has invested whenever possible in specialised facilities referred to as changing places, such as those at the redeveloped Glasgow Queen Street station, at Dundee station and at Troon station, which will open this summer. Accessible toilets were also added to Motherwell and Stirling stations during redevelopment work, and the new East Kilbride station building and the new Hairmyres station will have accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.

As my colleague is aware, all ScotRail trains are well equipped with onboard facilities, including fully accessible toilets and baby changing facilities for passengers. Fully accessible facilities are also available at all main railway stations in Scotland.

Figures that were released to my office by ScotRail show that only 22 per cent of Scotland’s 357 train stations have toilets for public and staff use, that fewer than one in five stations have baby changing facilities and that only two stations have the changing places facilities that are important for disabled passengers. Does the cabinet secretary agree that those are basic passenger expectations and that we must increase the number of such facilities in stations? Is that being made clear to ScotRail?

The member has raised the issue now and has also done so in writing to me. That is a matter for ScotRail. We know that providing additional space requires investment. Some stations have historical layouts and have little space available for such facilities. Where redevelopment is possible, that has been a priority for ScotRail, and I will ensure that ScotRail is made acutely aware of the concern that the member has raised.

That concludes transport portfolio questions.

Before we move to the next item of business, I suspend this meeting.

14:59 Meeting suspended.